In India’s T20 World Cup opener against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Virat Kohli made headlines with what many will consider the best knock of his career, securing an incredible last-ball 4-wicket victory for Team India against Pakistan. However, Hardik Pandya also contributed significantly to India’s victory.
Pandya claimed three wickets with the ball to support Arshdeep Singh well as India, which had won the toss and elected to bowl first, held Pakistan to a total of 159. Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, and Haider Ali were all dismissed by Hardik.
Hardik used his bat to help Team India win the game when it seemed impossible.
The Men in Blue were labouring at 31-4 when the star all-rounder went up to the plate. He helped Team India maintain control of the situation and, together with Virat Kohli, put up a partnership of 113 runs while scoring 40 runs in just 37 balls.
Despite the fact that Hardik was out on the first ball of the 20th over, his contribution to India’s triumph cannot be underestimated.
Hardik sobbed after the game as he thought of his deceased father. Hardik reflected on his father’s joy at seeing this and said he could never repay him for the sacrifices he made.
He said on Star Sports, “I was only thinking about my dad. I have not cried about my dad. I love my son, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to do for him what my dad did for me. He moved cities for a six-and-a-half-year old boy’s dreams without knowing I’d get to where I am today. So this is for him.”
On the other end, Kohli hit an undefeated 82 in 53 balls, including four sixes and six boundaries.
